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This paper proposes an updated approach to incorporating relative sea level rise in the estimation of flood construction levels in British Columbia, which are required in coastal planning and infrastructure development. Initially, current guidelines for British Columbia are outlined, and recent information on projected relative sea level rise is summarized. Then, recognizing the uncertainty in sea level rise projections, a probabilistic model of estimating the contribution of relative sea level rise to the flood construction level is described, relying on an available theoretical formulation that is corroborated by the application of a Monte Carlo simulation method. An updated approach to incorporating relative sea level rise in the estimation of flood construction levels is thereby recommended, relying on available data portals for relative sea level rise. Finally, the estimation of the probability of overtopping is described, and the implications of this for making informed decisions on flood construction levels with respect to risk assessments are indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling air leakage through the building envelope remains a challenge, especially in light of the imperative to transition to a net-zero energy building sector and the increasing importance of indoor air quality during extreme weather events such as wildfires. The British Columbia Energy Step Code is a performance-based compliance option in the British Columbia Building Code which is intended to provide a transition pathway to net-zero energy ready construction by 2032. For small residential buildings, performance targets entail thresholds for the measured air leakage rate through the building envelope. This paper reports on the airtightness of the first 145 single- and two-family dwellings built under the Energy Step Code in Richmond, BC. Although the first phase of the implementation of the Energy Step Code in Richmond entailed no airtightness targets (only testing), results indicate improvement compared to the historical levels of airtightness in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]